Review: Microsoft KIN One (Verizon) Review of Reviews

KIN One Rated 3 out 5 by Wireless and Mobile News' Review of Reviews

Before reviewing the reviews of the KIN One social-phone from Verizon, we didn't have to psychic to know how the reviewers would rate the Kin One. The KIN One is geared towards young people who want to be socially connected and that is where the phone shines, but the added feature of an excellent web browser puts it up against super smartphones with a lot more power, features and apps that cost the same per month to operate. All the reviewers pointed out the added $29.99 a month for unlimited data, makes it very costly for a parent to pay for a teenagers' social life. They also noted that other smartphones for the same monthly rates are more powerful, useful and have more apps.

The KIN One is a round compact slider with a QWERTY keyboard that is very usable. It also features a a 5 megapixel camera and Zune music player along with a bunch of Microsoft features, the KIN Loop, KIn Studio and Spot, KIN Studio. The KIN Studio is most well reviewed for backing-up data as well as saving files such as photos. KIN Spot lets users share texts, web pages - with almost anyone. KIN LOOP combines latest updates/feeds from favorite websites and social networks such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, but it does so unevenly which frustrated reviewers.

Although the KIN One has a 5 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi and FM radio, reviewers pointed out what the KIN One lacks, IM, GPS, inability to upload photos to Twitter andGoogle Contacts/Calendar integration.

KIN One is available for $49.99, after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement at Verizon online. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.Don't forget you can avoid waiting for a rebate when you use the Wireless and Mobile News' online coupon-link Instant Phone Rebate Only Available with Online Purchase.

Bonnie Cha at CNET rated the KIN ONE 3 out 5. She liked the easy access to contacts, social networking and Zune music player. She also found the KIN Studio backup handy and noted the features of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 5 megapixel camera. She found that the display could be sluggish. There was an absence of calendaring apps, and it could be overwhelming to learn. There was no way to upload photos to Twitter. The real detriments to ownership is that it requires a full unlimited data plan and lacks some basic features. The size is compact and the keyboard is not bad but a little cramped. The 2.6 inch screen is cramped. It lacks IM but web browsing was swift. Photo quality was mediocore.

Sacha Segan at PCMag rated the Microsoft Kin One 3 out 5t. He found it to be cute but is more expensive to own that the Palm Pre Plus, which makes it looked crippled. Voice quality was not great. The Kin unifies some kinds of accounts but not other. Email and social-networking isan't a storng as the Droid Incredible or Drod Eris. The Loop is satisfying for Facebook and MySpace, and not such for Twitter, emails and texts are not in the Loop. The Studio backup and dump/save was liked. The browser is excellent. Email support is so-so. The camera isn't the best. He also noticed a lot missing, apps, IM, calendar, and GPS. It does beat texting phones on the market.

Dylan Tweney an Priay Ganapti at Wired noted "For $50 with a two-year contract, the Kin One has a temptingly small sticker price, but don't be fooled: The contract demands a minimum of $70 per month for voice and data service, which means your total cost will be at least $3,410. That's a steep price for keeping your kids up-to-date with the latest on Facebook and Twitter." They found it cute and the keyboard usable They didn't like the screen was small, camera auto-focus problems, it doesn't integrate with Google contacts/calendar and limited Twitter capabalities.